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May 1, 2019
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One of the area’s top prep volleyball players is staying close to home.
South Lafourche High School outside hitter Abigail Bouzigard announced last week that she’s committed to Nicholls State University. Bouzigard signed her National Letter of Intent on Friday afternoon on campus before a large crowd of family, friends and former coaches.
Bouzigard said Nicholls felt like home, adding that it was a decision based on the comfort and love she felt from new coach Kallie Noble and also the Colonels’ players — her future teammates.
Bouzigard chose Nicholls over several offers from programs around the South.
“This is just an honor and a blessing for me,” Bouzigard said. “Nicholls had a close, family atmosphere. It just felt like home and it was more than just the location. I felt good around Coach Kallie and the players just really welcomed me. I’m excited to be a Colonel and I’m happy for my future.”
Nicholls is getting a top-notch player.
Bouzigard was one of South Lafourche’s best players for the past several seasons — among the team’s leaders in blocks, kills and hitting percentage.
She’s also been a club player for the past several seasons, earning her mark as one of the top players in the area with her athleticism around the net and precision as a hitter.
Bouzigard took several visits to programs in the past several weeks, but Nicholls got the signed National Letter of Intent on Friday — a huge victory for Noble and her staff.
Both Abigail’s parents, Bryan and Gay, said they believe their daughter made the right decision, though both added that they let her make the decision on her own.
“We feel like Nicholls is a great place for her. We really believe that in our hearts,” Gay said. “We think they’re building a great thing, Abigail is so excited to be part of it, and we’re excited to be able to go watch her play.”
Bouzigard is hopeful that her next four years mirror her past four years.
When Bouzigard arrived at South Lafourche, the Lady Tarpons volleyball program was building. They’d not ever been to the postseason and were not known as a powerhouse.
But in Bouzigard’s career, the Lady Tarpons surged and ascended into a dominant force, reaching the playoffs four-straight seasons — including two-straight trips to the Pontchartrain Center.
“It’s almost like the same situation,” Bouzigard said. “We’re going to be building and trying to get things turned around — just like what happened at South Lafourche. I think Coach Kallie is working hard and I think we’re going to be headed in the right direction.”
South Lafourche coach Jamie Cantrelle said Bouzigard is a powerful hitter and blocker, adding that she will fit in well at the next level.
“She’s done so many things to help us in the last few years,” Cantrelle said. “Abigail was a big piece of us getting into the playoffs and doing a lot of amazing things for our program.”
Father Bryan Bouzigard said he believes one of Abigail’s biggest strengths is her work ethic. Holding back tears, the father beamed pride over the accomplishments and work ethic of his daughter.
In addition to her work as a volleyball player, Abigail was also a two-year starter and four-year letter winner on a South Lafourche girls’ basketball team that made the Top 28 in 2017-18 and reached the State Quarterfinals in 2018-19.
“She’s not afraid to work hard,” Bryan said. “She’s always wanting to give as big of an effort as she can. She just loves the competition. Abigail loves to compete.”
More important than the love of competition and the athletic ability is Bouzigard’s attitude, which everyone says is top notch.
Cantrelle said Bouzigard will be an asset to any team she’s on because of her ability to keep everyone pulling in the same direction.
Cantrelle recalled several close, hard-fought matches — and even some losses — where Bouzigard’s positivity stood out. The coach said it also made her a leader to younger players on the team.
“She’s one of the most positive people you will ever meet,” Cantrelle said. “No matter the situation, no matter what was happening in a match, she was always able to find the best in anything.”
Gay said Bouzigard has always had that mindset, and it inspires everyone in their family.
“It’s a gift,” Gay said. “It’s a gift from God. She always can find the best in everything.”
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